Severing your ties!

Seve Ballesteros has just announced his retirement from golf which, by his own admission, was the ' hardest decision of his career'.

He experienced the heart versus head conflict which so many sportspeople feel when entering the latter stages of their sporting careers. Notwithstanding his ailing health (well documented back and knee problems), the decision still seems to have been a torment for him. On this occasion, the head won.

Perhaps his decision was made (slightly) easier by the fact that his performances had fallen away significantly and he comes across as a man of great pride. He missed the cut on 22 over par at this year's Masters and finished joint last (with Lee Trevino) on his debut on the US Seniors Tour in May. In an individual sport, there is no hiding place and therefore less opportunity for self-delusion. You are literally 'on your own' in the theatre of performance.

However, now that he has made his decision, on his terms, he can channel his positive energies into ' his 3 children, his companies and his friends'. Letting go and coping with the process of adjustment are a major challenge but at least he has taken the most important decision in the process. He can now focus on being successful in the next phase of his life.

There is no 'I' in Team

The title of this may be a bit of a cliché, but none the less it is still true!

Justin Henin played beautifully whilst at Wimbledon and never has a player shown how important it is to have a team who fully supports them. During her match with Serena Williams she certainly played some beautiful and powerful tennis.

However, she was constantly looking up to her support team in the players area. Of course, some players do this more than others, but recently Henin has had a rather turbulent private life, with reconciliations and partings with both her father and her husband, so you can perhaps understand that she seeks that support more then ever.

What she has shown is that despite these goings on she has continued to have a passion for her tennis and has been able to come through the turbulent times with renewed vigour and, of course, with the support of her family and coaching team.